GUIDELINES:
- Nominations can be from members, local societies, committees or the TAOP Board
- All nominations must include a written explanation from the nominating entity as to why the nomination is being made
- Active TAOP officer is not eligible to receive any award, except Trustee of the Year
- Award recipients must be in good standing with the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians
- Nominations are due by September 15, 2024
- Award recipients will be selected by Awards Committee headed by Chair Brad Lindsey
- Award presentation will be held during TAOP’s 123 rd Annual Congress in Gatlinburg, TN
"TAOP OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR"
This award is given by the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians to an optometrist practicing in Tennessee who is distinguished in service to the profession. The TAOP Optometrist of the Year will be nominated for the AOA Optometrist of the Year.
"TAOP YOUNG OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR"
This award is given to a young Optometrist practicing in Tennessee who is distinguished in service to the profession. To qualify for this award, the optometrist must have been practicing for eight years (8) or less.
"TAOP OD OF THE DECADE"
The criteria for this award were never formally adopted. Only two OD's have received this for their continued important service to the Association and Profession for more than 10 years. Recipients have been Virgil Rhodes and Jeff Foster.
"TAOP PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD" (OPTIONAL)
This award is given to a person or organization in recognition of distinguished service to the visual welfare of mankind. The award recognizes individuals, educational institutions, research programs, and civic/community organizations.
"TAOP STATESPERSON OF THE YEAR" (OPTIONAL)
This award is given to a legislator in recognition of his/her contributions to the profession of Optometry.
"TAOP DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD" (OPTIONAL)
Nominees for this award should be individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to the profession and have not been recognized for the length of service.
“TRUSTEE OF THE YEAR” (OPTIONAL)
This award shall be nominated by the Executive Committee of the TAOP Board of Trustees and presented to an individual OD who has served at minimum 1 (one) year in the position of TAOP trustee, and has distinguished themselves through leadership, dependability, and exemplary contributions to the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. The nominee must be an active member of the TAOP board, or has served within the past year, who holds current membership in the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians.
“PARAOPTOMETRIC OF THE YEAR”
This award is given by the Tennessee Paraoptometric Association to a paraoptometric practicing in Tennessee who is distinguished in service to the profession.
